The 1977 BMW 3 Series has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple throttle defects that can prevent the accelerator from returning to idle after the driver releases the pedal, leaving the engine running at elevated speed.
Several separate issues contribute to this throttle problem. Rubber damping sleeves on the throttle return springs can shrink in hot weather and bind the springs, while in extreme cold the protective sleeve on the throttle cable can stiffen and have the same effect. The return springs themselves can also oscillate and break, removing the mechanism that pulls the throttle closed entirely. In any of these cases, the driver may need to apply the brakes firmly or switch off the ignition to slow the vehicle. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the cold-weather cable issue, and a follow-up campaign was issued to address remaining affected vehicles.
On the fuel side, a combination of high altitude, high temperatures, or fuel contamination can cause vapor bubbles to form in the fuel delivery system, leading to rough running or stalling. There is also an electrical concern: a bolt securing the main wiring harness under the fuse panel in the engine compartment can loosen and cause a partial or complete loss of electrical function.
At a glance
What can fail
The rubber sleeves covering the two engine throttle return springs may shrink in hot weather, preventing the springs from fully returning the throttle to idle when you release the accelerator pedal.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Vapor bubbles can form in the fuel system at high altitudes, high temperatures, or with contaminated fuel, causing rough running and possible engine stalling.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extreme cold, the rubber sleeve protecting the throttle cable stiffens, preventing the throttle from returning to idle position.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt securing the main wiring harness to a terminal under the fuse panel in the engine compartment may loosen, potentially disrupting the vehicle's electrical system.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In extreme cold, the rubber sleeve protecting the throttle cable becomes stiff and prevents the throttle from returning to idle position as required.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The two engine-mounted throttle return springs may vibrate excessively and break. If a spring breaks, the accelerator pedal won't return to idle position as required.
What the fix does
No remedy description available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
